October 14, 2011

News Release: Global Food Security, Food Price Stability Demands Continued Investments in Rural Agriculture

This World Food Day, ACDI/VOCA Recognizes Role of Smallholder Farmers in Global Food Security

WASHINGTON, D.C.,October 14, 2011—ACDI/VOCA released the following statement from its president, Carl Leonard, in recognition of World Food Day, officially observed Oct. 16.

“This year has been a difficult one for hungry and food-insecure people around the world. Various crises, from conflicts and political upheavals to natural disasters and economic recession, have led to increased uncertainty and food price volatility that has hit poor people the hardest.

“The drought and famine in the Horn of Africa now affects 13 million people, with famine declared in six regions of Somalia and 750,000 more people at risk of going hungry if they do not receive immediate help, according to the U.N. Food and Agricultural Organization.

“Investment in rural agriculture—to boost both food availability and economic activity—remains crucial to the global hunger solution. And the best agents to use those investments remain smallholder farmers and other rural workers, especially women.

“At ACDI/VOCA, we stand ready to assist the world community and our many partners with food aid delivery and distribution, including food that is locally and regionally purchased, in the communities most affected by these crises.

“Still, it is our longer-term efforts to build agricultural economies using value chain approaches and to invest in farmers’ and other workers’ knowledge and skills that offer the most promise toward realizing global food security and food price stability.

“This World Food Day, let us remember that smallholder farmers and broad-based agricultural investments are the surest route to sustainable food security for everyone. And let us act on our global commitments to ensure that farmers in developing countries receive the resources and support they need.”

About ACDI/VOCA

ACDI/VOCA strives to promote positive economic and social change worldwide by promoting economic opportunities for cooperatives, enterprises and communities through the innovative application of sound business practices. For more information, visit our website at www.acdivoca.org.

Media Contact

Washington, D.C.: Contact Senior Director of Public Relations & Communications Perry Letson at +1 202 469 6178 or pletson@acdivoca.org.